Disposable shipping container for concrete samples

ABSTRACT

A disposable container for preventing concrete test samples from being damaged while being shipped from a construction site to a testing lab. The polystyrene container includes internal openings to receive the test samples, water absorbent material lining the internal openings for maintaining moisture adjacent the test samples, and water passages leading to the internal openings to allow water to be introduced to the test samples.

United States Patent 1 Brewer, Jr.

1 1 Nov.6,1l973 [76] Inventor: Harry L. Brewer, Jr., Memphis, Tenn.

[22] Filed: Apr. 14, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 244,039

[52] U.S. Cl 206/46 FC, 206/46 PV, 220/4 E [51] Int. Cl 365d 7/00, 865d 85/00 [58] Field of Search 206/46 FC, 46 PV, 206/46 ST, 59 R; 220/4 B, 4 E, DIG. 27, 17

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,358,118 12/1967 Mather et al. 220/17 X 2,860,768 11/1958 Smithers 206/46 FC 3,146,929 9/1964 Keim 206/46 FC X 3,294,225 12/1966 Kenyon... 206/46 FC 3,181,693 5/1965 Freistat 206/46 FC 3,077,979 2/1963 Jones et al 206/46 PV FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 878,913 10/1961 Great Britain 206/46 ST Primary ExaminerWil1iam T. Dixson, Jr. Assistant ExaminerSteven E. Lipman Attorney-John R. Walker [57] ABSTRACT A disposable container for preventing concrete test samples from being damaged while being shipped from a construction site to a testing lab. The polystyrene container includes internal openings to receive the test samples, water absorbent material lining the internal ofieKi h s for rnaintai riihg moistdi'e "aa acem" the test samples, water absorbent material lining the internal openings to allow water to be introduced to the test samples,

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to energy absorbing shipping containers, and, more specifically, to disposable shipping containers for concrete test samples.

2. Description of the Prior Art A preliminary patentability search revealed the following U. S. Pats.: Jones et al. No. 3,077,979; Kenyon U. S. Pat. No. 3,294,225; and Kawawada U. S. Pat. No. 3,467,245. The above references relate generally to energy absorbing shipping containers but none show or suggest the present invention. The Jones et al reference discloses an energy absorbing reusable container for concrete test samples. The Jones container consists of a tubular outer shell and a two piece liner inside the outer shell for receiving the concrete test sample. No provisions were made or suggested for maintaining moisture adjacent the test sample in a water absorbent material or for introducing water to the concrete test sample. The most common method of shipping concrete test samples is to place the test samples in a wooden box that is filled with wet sand or sawdust.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed towards overcoming the disadvantages and problems in shipping concrete test samples from the construction site to the testing lab. The disadvantages and problems stem from the need for shipping the test samples before the concrete has had time to fully harden. Most construction jobs involving concrete require that tests for compressive strength of the concrete be given seven days after the concrete has been poured. To reach the testing lab within seven days of its being poured, the test sample must be shipped while still 37 that is, before it has had time to fully set and while it is still sensitive to minute physical forces. To obtain an accurate test of the concrete, the test sample must be protected from impact forces and placed in a somewhat controlled environment. The object of the present invention is to accomplish the above at a low cost.

The concept of the present invention is to provide a substantially closed polystyrene container having internal openings for receiving the concrete test samples, having water absorbent material lining the internal openings for maintaining moisture adjacent the test samples, and having water passages for introducing water to the test samples. The polystyrene container will absorb most impact forces before they can reach the test samples and will insulate the test samples from extreme high and low temperatures. The water absorbent lining and the water passages will keep the test samples moist and, thus, prevent dehydration from weakening the test samples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of the shipping container.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shipping container.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken as on the line III-III of FIG. 1 showing the concrete test sample in the shipping container and showing the shipping container in a mailing box.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken as on line lV-IV of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken as on line V-V of FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The disposable shipping container 11 of the present invention provides a protective package for one or more concrete test samples 13 for preventing the concrete test samples 13 from being damaged while being shipped from a construction site to a testing lab. The shipping container 11 includes a first half 15 and a second half 17 that fit together to provide a substantially closed package around the concrete test samples 13. The first half 15 includes first channel portions 19 and the second half 17 includes second channel portions 21. When the first half 15 and the second half 17 are fitted together to provide a substantially closed package, the first channel portion 19 and the second channel portions 21 coact together to define a pair of substantially cylindrical internal openings 22 adapted to receive the concrete test samples 13. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the channel portions 19, 21 receive substantially one half of a concrete test sample 13. The first half 15 includes a first groove means 23 in the inner surface of the first half having a vertical portion 25 adjacent the top of the first half 15 and having vertically spaced horizontal portions 27 adjacent the first channel portions 19 and leading outwardly in opposite directions from the vertical portion 25 of the groove means 23. The second half 17 includes a second groove means 29 in the inner surface of the second half having a vertical portion 31 adjacent the top of the second half 17 and having vertically spaced horizontal portions 33 adjacent the second channel portions 21 and leading outwardly in opposite directions from the vertical portion 31 of the groove means 29. When first and second halves 15, 17 are fitted together, the first and second groove means 23, 29 mate to provide a water passage leading from an entrance aperture 30' at the top of container 11 and into the first and second channel portions 19, 21 to maintain moisture adjacent the concrete test samples 13. It will be understood that water is introduced into container 11 through aperture 30 The first and second channel portions 19, 21 may be lined with a water absorbent material 35 such as burlap for maintaining moisture adjacent the concrete test samples 13.

It should be noted that while the shipping container 1 1 may be adapted to receive one or more concrete test samples 13, the drawings show an embodiment of the shipping container 11 which is adapted to receive two concrete test samples 13. When the shipping container 1 1 is adapted to receive two or more concrete test samples 13, the vertical portions 25, 31 of the first and second groove means 23, 29 are preferably located between the channel portions 19, 21 and are adapted to provide water to horizontal portions 27, 33 of two adjacent channel portions 19, 21.

The concrete test samples 13 are poured at a construction site usually in a cardboard mold 37 which includes a wax coating on its inside surface and is usually 12 inches in height and 6 inches in diameter. In the usual method of pouring the concrete test samples 13, three separate 4 inches layers of concrete are poured into the mold 37 and each layer is rodded as by a tam ping of each layer 25 times with an oval end steel rod. The test sample 13 is then allowed to cure until it has a substantially hard form. To keep sufficient moisture in the concrete test sample 13 while it is being cured, the test sample 13 is usually submerged in water, wrapped in wet burlap, or put in wet sand until it is ready to be shipped to the testing lab. After the test samples 13 have cured sufficiently, they are placed in the channel portions 19, 21 of the shipping container 11, preferably with the cardboard mold 37 still surrounding them for added protection for concrete test specimens although it will be understood that cardboard mold 37 may be omitted, if desired, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The first and second halves 15, 17 of the shipping container 11 are then fitted together to provide a substantially closed package for the test samples 13. A tongue and groove joint 39 is preferably provided between the first and second halves l5, 17 around the peripheries to facilitate joining the two halves together and to form a dam to prevent loss of water between the two halves l5, 17. Also, a strip of tape 41 is preferably placed around the bottom and sides of the shipping container adjacent the joint between the first half 15 and the second half 17 to provide a watertight joint. Water then may be introduced to the first and second groove means 23, 29 through aperture 130. The water will then be distributed evenly about the concrete test samples 13 by means of the vertical portions 25, 31 and the horizontal portions 27, 33 of the first and second groove means 23, 29. The shipping container 11 then may be placed in a mailing box 43 which has the name and address of the testing lab printed thereon. The test samples 13 are then ready to be shipped to the testing lab for determination of their compressive strength. After the test samples 13 reach the testing lab, the ship ping container 11 may be disposed of.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is not to be so limited since charges and modifications may be made therein which are within the full intended scope of the invention.

1 claim:

1. A disposable container for concrete test samples comprising first half means including a first channel portion having a shape similar to substantially one half of the concrete test sample, second half means including a second channel portion having a shape similar to the remaining portion of the concrete test sample, and means for suspending a quantity of water in close proximity to the test sample, said first and second half means being tightly fitted together to establish a substantially sealed container for snugly receiving the test sample within said first and second channel portions, said water suspending means including means defining at least one unobstructed water passageway communicated with the exterior of said container to facilitate the introduction of water into said internal opening thereof.

2. The container of claim 1 in which said water suspending means additionally includes water absorbent means for continguous engagement with the test sample.

3. The container of claim 2 in which said water suspending means includes a plurality of water passageways communicated one with the other and with the exterior of said container, said water absorbent means being in close proximity to the test sample with portions thereof bridgingly engaging certain ones of said plurality of water passageways thus defining in part certain portions of said passageways whereby said water absorbent means may draw water from said passageways to assure that said water absorbent means and the test sample remain damp for a predetermined period of time.

4. A shipping container for preventing concrete test samples from being damaged while being shipped from a construction site to a testing lab, said shipping container comprising first half means including a first channel portion for receiving substantially half of a concrete test sample and including first groove means, said first groove means having a vertical portion adjacent the top of said first half means and having horizontal portions adjacent said first channel portion and coacting with said vertical portion; and said shipping container comprising second half means including a second channel portion for receiving substantially half of the concrete test sample and including second groove means, said second groove means having a vertical portion adjacent the top of said second half means and having horizontal portions adjacent said second channel portions and coacting with said vertical portions, said first and second half means fitting together to define a substantially closed container with said first and second channel portions defining an internal opening for receiving the concrete test sample and with said first and second groove means defining a water passage for allowing water to be introduced into said internal opening.

5. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first half means includes at least two first channel portions for respectively receiving parts of at least two concrete test samples; said first and second channel portions fitting together with said first and second channel portions defining at least two internal openings for receiving at least two concrete test samples.

6. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second channel portions are lined with water absorbent material for maintaining moisture adjacent the concrete test samples.

7. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second groove means include at least two horizontal portions adjacent said first and second channel portions for allowing water to be distributed evenly about the concrete test samples.

8. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second half means are held together by tongue and groove means.

9. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second half means are held together in a substantially watertight arrangement by tape means extending substantially around the periphery of said shipping container.

10. A disposable shipping container for preventing concrete test samples from being damaged while being shipped from a construction site to a testing lab, said shipping container comprising first half means including at least two first channel portions for respectively receiving parts of at least two concrete test samples, said first channel portions being lined with water absorbent material for maintaining moisture adjacent the concrete test samples, said first half means including first groove means, said first groove means having at least one vertical portion adjacent the top of said first half means and having at least two horizontal portions adjacent each of said first channel portions, said vertiportions adjacent each of said second channel portions, said vertical portion coacting with said horizontal portions; said first and second half means fitting together to define a substantially closed container with said first and second channel portions defining one or more internal openings for receiving one or more concrete test samples and with said first and second groove means defining at least one water passage for allowing water to be introduced into said internal openings. 

1. A disposable container for concrete test samples comprising first half means including a first channel portion having a shape similar to substantially one half of the concrete test sample, second half means including a second channel portion having a shape similar to the remaining portion of the concrete test sample, and means for suspending a quantity of water in close proximity to the test sample, said first and second half means being tightly fitted together to establish a substantially sealed container for snugly receiving the test sample within said first and second channel portions, said water suspending means including means defining at least one unobstructed water passageway communicated with the exterior of said container to facilitate the introduction of water into said internal opening thereof.
 2. The container of claim 1 in which said water suspending means additionally includes water absorbent means for continguous engagement with the test sample.
 3. The container of claim 2 in which said water suspending means includes a plurality of water passageways communicated one with the other and with the exterior of said container, said water absorbent means being in close proximity to the test sample with portions thereof bridgingly engaging certain ones of said plurality of water passageways thus defining in part certain portions of said passageways whereby said water absorbent means may draw water from said passageways to assure that said water absorbent means and the test sample remain damp for a predetermined period of time.
 4. A shipping container for preventing concrete test samples from being damaged while being shipped from a construction site to a testing lab, said shipping container comprising first half means including a first channel portion for receiving substantially half of a concrete test sample and including first groove means, said first groove means having a vertical portion adjacent the top of said first half means and having horizontal portions adjacent said first channel portion and coacting with said vertical portion; and said shipping container comprising second half means including a second channel porTion for receiving substantially half of the concrete test sample and including second groove means, said second groove means having a vertical portion adjacent the top of said second half means and having horizontal portions adjacent said second channel portions and coacting with said vertical portions, said first and second half means fitting together to define a substantially closed container with said first and second channel portions defining an internal opening for receiving the concrete test sample and with said first and second groove means defining a water passage for allowing water to be introduced into said internal opening.
 5. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first half means includes at least two first channel portions for respectively receiving parts of at least two concrete test samples; said first and second channel portions fitting together with said first and second channel portions defining at least two internal openings for receiving at least two concrete test samples.
 6. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second channel portions are lined with water absorbent material for maintaining moisture adjacent the concrete test samples.
 7. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second groove means include at least two horizontal portions adjacent said first and second channel portions for allowing water to be distributed evenly about the concrete test samples.
 8. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second half means are held together by tongue and groove means.
 9. The shipping container of claim 4 in which said first and second half means are held together in a substantially watertight arrangement by tape means extending substantially around the periphery of said shipping container.
 10. A disposable shipping container for preventing concrete test samples from being damaged while being shipped from a construction site to a testing lab, said shipping container comprising first half means including at least two first channel portions for respectively receiving parts of at least two concrete test samples, said first channel portions being lined with water absorbent material for maintaining moisture adjacent the concrete test samples, said first half means including first groove means, said first groove means having at least one vertical portion adjacent the top of said first half means and having at least two horizontal portions adjacent each of said first channel portions, said vertical portion coacting with said horizontal portions; and comprising second half means including at least two second channel portions for respectively receiving parts of at least two concrete test samples, said second channel portions being lined with water absorbent material for maintaining moisture adjacent the concrete test samples, said second half means including second groove means, said second groove means having at least one vertical portion adjacent the top portion of said first half means and having at least two horizontal portions adjacent each of said second channel portions, said vertical portion coacting with said horizontal portions; said first and second half means fitting together to define a substantially closed container with said first and second channel portions defining one or more internal openings for receiving one or more concrete test samples and with said first and second groove means defining at least one water passage for allowing water to be introduced into said internal openings. 